Tackling issue head-on

If knowledge really is power then the Cootamundra community is going about things the right way. 

An ‘Ice Forum’ set down for Wednesday, September 9 has attracted plenty of positive feedback from local residents keen to take action. 

The forum will focus on what ice actually is and how it works. There will also be information available of where people can go for support, what community members can do to help and the impact on friends and family. 

Organisers can now confirm Crios Mahony from not-for-profit organisation, the Penington Institute will speak at the forum. 

Crios has had 20 years of experience working with people directly affected by problematic drug use. 

The Penington Institute aims to get communities to rethink how they can tackle unsafe drug use and connect substance use research to practical action.

Additionally, there will be speakers from the Cootamundra Police, Family and Community Services, NSW Health and more. 

Following the main presentation, members of the community will have the opportunity to ask questions for the panel to answer. 

While talk about ice and other amphetamine drugs can be both worrying and frightening, organisers of September’s forum say they would like community members to understand the truth about ice and what they can do if they or someone they know is using the drug. 

Similar forums have been held successfully across the district as people aim to empower themselves with as much information as possible about the insidious drug.

When a local business was held up in June this year by ice addicts, it confirmed for our town the drug was closer to home than anyone wanted to believe.

Now is the time for action. 

The forum will take place from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at the Cootamundra Ex Services Club with all community members invited to attend free of charge.

The forum has been coordinated by the local Mission Australia office and Rotary Club of Cootamundra.